Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Recommendations for Dental Practitioners
As dentists, hygienists, and staff we are in the highest risk categories for both contraction and transmission of the COVID-19, as the most procedures performed create significant aerosols in the operatories.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is issuing new recommendations to all practicing dental offices.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Oral Health, strongly recommends that dental practitioners practicing in Kansas voluntarily suspend nonessential or non-urgent dental care for the next 14 days.
As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease. This interim guidance will be updated as needed and as additional information becomes available.
Consider the following additional measures:
- Use phone triage for all upcoming emergent appointments.
- If patient is symptomatic with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, which includes measured fever of 100 or more and lower respiratory symptoms including cough or shortness of breath, refer them to their medical provider – persons reporting symptoms should not walk into providers without first calling their office.
- Have a scripted questionnaire for your staff before scheduling appointments and prior to any procedure.
- Establish a pre-check triage to measure and record temperature of every staff and patient.
- Take measures to prevent over-crowding in the waiting areas.
- Stagger appointment times to reduce waiting room exposure.
- Limit access to waiting room use to patients and guardian/caregiver only.
- Remove all magazines/toys/books from the waiting room.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often each day, including waiting areas, door handles, chairs, and bathrooms.
Treatment of Emergency Cases:
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these unprecedented times. For questions related to this guidance, please contact KDHE Bureau of Oral Health Director,
Dr. Dayna Brinckman, at
dayna.brinckman@ks.gov
.
